Vote ‘No’ on I-2124. WA Cares is too important to aging Washingtonians | Opinion

Vote ‘No’ on I-2124

When you find yourself sick or injured and needing long-term care, every bit of help matters. That’s why I’m voting No on I-2124 to prevent the defunding of WA Cares.

WA Cares is our state’s new affordable long-term care benefit that acts as a safety net, like Social Security or Medicare and gives us what we need to get care at home.

The fact is, most of us will likely need some type of long-term care in the future, but right now, millions of us can’t afford private coverage or pay out of pocket for the home care we need, and even if we could, we might be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

That’s why WA Cares is so important. No matter our age or if we have a pre-existing condition, we can get covered by WA Cares.

Analysts agree that I-2124 would bankrupt WA Cares, stripping this essential coverage away from us. I’ll be voting “No” on this initiative so that when you and I need benefits, we can get them.

Lisa LaFontaine, Kennewick

Forest grooming not real solution

At the AAUW forum Oct. 1, the question for the candidates was what can be done to lower the risk and severity of wildfires. The best answer incumbent, Skyler Rude, could come up with was removing the dead undergrowth. This is the only meaningful job he’s had in his life and that’s the best he can do, essentially raking the forests.

Craig Woodard suggests partnering with Tribes to better manage the land; a forward thinking approach to forest management using ancient practices. From the air it is easy to see the difference between land managed by the state and land managed by Tribes.

It’s possible Skyler didn’t feel it was necessary to prepare a real answer, it’s also possible he believes clearing undergrowth is a legitimate solution to wildfire. Either way, what are we getting from sending Skyler Rude to the Legislature?

Craig Woodard took the time to formulate a policy position and an answer to the question. The contrast could not be more clear. Skyler just wants to be in the legislature chasing clout. Craig will be a Legislator crafting meaningful legislation with fewer barriers to getting it passed, he will be in the majority.

Vote Craig Woodard.

Tom Schmerer, Walla Walla

Bertha Clayton is right for Walla Walla County

For several years, the two major political parties, both nationally and locally, have become more polarized than ever before. Common sense dictates residents of Walla Walla County would be best served when decisions are reached for the good of the whole.

Bertha Clayton is the solution.

Throughout her campaign, she has reached out to elected officials, department heads, county employees, governmental entities, large and small businesses and individuals to educate herself, and has garnered a wealth of information to be prepared to assume the role of county commissioner.

Bertha is an educated professional who is known throughout the county, state and nation as a leader in her role as the director of the third largest foreign labor program in the United States. She is an experienced and respected individual who interacts with state agencies, testifies before the legislature and serves in local non-profit organizations. These experiences will be an asset to the board.

As a former county commissioner, I understand how valuable her critical thinking skills and education will be on the commission.

We have an opportunity to elect an individual who will serve the county with dignity and respect. Please join me in voting for Bertha Clayton

Pam Ray, Walla Walla

Gunshefski is an engaged and effective leader

Please join me in voting for Linda Gunshefski for the District 16 Representative Position 1 Seat. Linda, a well-respected eye physician and surgeon, has owned and operated her own practice in Walla Walla for over 25 years. She is a refreshing choice!

Linda’s self-described “formidable nature” will be critical in clearly voicing the needs of Southeastern Washingtonians in the legislature. Her equally “respectful nature” makes her a teambuilder and dedicated listener. She will deeply connect with other decisionmakers, regardless of affiliation, in an environment that can be partisan and politically divisive.

I appreciate Linda’s intelligence. She has a palpable enthusiasm for learning that will serve District 16 residents and all Washingtonians with engaged, effective leadership. Linda is not afraid but excited to confront today’s challenges of housing, education, childcare, and our collective physical and mental health. She is not satisfied with the status quo and has the experience, compassion and brain power to understand today’s issues as a steward of our quality of life, our advocate and our change agent when needed.

I look forward to casting my vote for Linda Gunshefski.

Cindy Widmer, College Place

Upthegrove cares about public lands

I was glad to see the Tri-City Herald’s endorsement of Dave Upthegrove for Commissioner of Public Lands. This fall voters have a clear choice in the election for lands commissioner.

Dave Upthegrove, the Democrat, who has a science background and experience working effectively on complex environmental issues versus Herrera-Beutler, a Republican, who seems to want the job as a way back into elected office.

She talks about caring about schools, but the Washington Education Association backs Upthegrove. She talks about the state’s fire challenges but when in Congress was the only member of the Northwest congressionlal delegation to vote against a major appropriation for fighting forest fires. Washington firefighters are backing Upthegrove.

Herrera-Beutler talks about valuing biodiversity, but Dave Upthegrove was the one endorsed by the Center for Biological Diversity. Herrera-Beutler was named one of the League of Conservation Voters “Dirty Dozen” — candidates for statewide election that must not get into office because their environmental voting records are so bad.

Herrera-Beutler gets funding from the timber industry, whereas Upthegrove is not accepting their money, believing that public land must be managed in the public’s interest. The choice is quite clear — for Washington’s future, vote Upthegrove on Nov. 5.

Nicole Myjak, Richland

Gunshefski is pick for 16th District

I address readers residing in Washington’s 16th Legislative District, making a pitch for electing Linda Gunshefski to the seat currently held by Republican Rep. Mark Klicker. What are the attributes we should want in our candidate? Perhaps these. Boldness, the confidence that she has something to contribute. Vitality, so that her knowledge, interests, and goals are emphatic. Empathic readiness, so some portion of her attention goes toward correcting our seemingly endless propensity to marginalize the fortune and influence of some by comparison with others.

One who is personable, so that colleagues want to listen. One who has excelled at something, so that she knows first-hand a thing or two about excellence. A Democrat, so that she gains, and we do too, from the power belonging to our legislature’s majority party. (Why have our district’s voters so often ignored the obvious in this regard?)

Linda Gunshefski exemplifies each of these. She is a highly respected physician. She has succeeded as well as a small-business owner — a matter of special importance in our district, where so much revolves around independent businesses, farmers and winemakers.

Vote for her. Let’s attract to our district some real attention from the Legislature!

Robert A. Johnson, MD, Walla Walla

GOP candidates better for 14th

The newly redistricted 14th Legislative District features candidates with proven political track records who will serve Central Washington well. Longstanding Sen. Curtis King, who is running for re-election, and former Grandview Mayor Gloria Mendoza and community leader Deb Manjarrez — candidates for the two representative positions — will forge a high-powered team in Olympia that will bring much-needed solutions to our region.

This trio of Republicans will advocate for public safety on our streets and in our schools, champion affordable housing for middle-class families and workers and will have the backs of our farmers and agricultural workers. They will work as a team to bring more of our tax money back to our community in infrastructure projects and savings. I know that they will work hard for all of us in our rich, culturally diverse area.

I support this distinguished team and urge voters in the 14th Legislative District to cast their ballots for all three.

Felix Vargas, Pasco